Sport Specialization and Competition at a Young Age Can Lead to Muscle Strength Imbalances

Parents continue to enroll their children in sport at younger ages thinking this will give them a leg up on being a better athlete. Coaches have begun to require children to specialize in one sport at earlier ages in hopes of being more competitive. Are these practices healthy for our children and youth? Dr. Rhea brings back her PhD candidate, Kate Webb, to further discuss why focusing on specialized sports and competition at early ages may not be developmentally appropriate or healthy for children and can lead to limb imbalances, injuries, and decreased confidence. Kate Webb graduated with a B.S. degree and Master’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science from Tarleton State University, worked as the Education and Retreat Director for Camp Eagle (Christian Adventure Camp in the Texas Hill Country), as a Biology/PE Teacher - Head Track/CC Coach at Wylie High School, and in the fitness industry.  As an educator, she completed the Principalship Certification in Educational Leadership at Dallas Baptist University and the Level 2 USATF Coach Certification.  In the fitness industry, she taught group fitness classes, and traveled with MASHUP Conditioning as a coach/presenter at SCW conferences.  As a NASM Sport Performance Specialist, she worked with children on developing foundational fitness to improve stability/flexibility/mobility to aid in decreased body imbalances and injury.  Additionally, she created a free Summer Track and Field Program for k-12 that has just completed its fifth season.